Upcoming Events

Meet at Jefferson County Park Nature Center Pre-registration is required Join us for a tour of the Eddyville Sand Dunes. This unique area consists of a patchwork of wind-blown sand, associated wetlands and woodland that are home to some of Iowa’s rarest plants and animals. Participants will meet at the Nature Center before caravanning to the Sand Dunes where Mahaska County Conservation Naturalist Laura DeCook will give participants a tour of the area. Pre-registration is required.

Ancient technology was incredibly innovative. Technologies such as stone tool making, weaponry, cordage production, stone-boiling and pottery manufacture were crucial to ancient societies. These technologies represent some of the very first scientific innovations in the history of human technology. These technological “firsts” were essential to the advancement of society. People had to understand and apply basic principles of, physics, chemistry, engineering, and natural history. Learn about flint knapping, pottery making, bone tools, unique uses for plants, and more. This is…

Explore the great outdoors alongside your child! We will be doing a short introduction before heading out on a hike. This children’s nature program is geared for children who are 2-4 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Toddler Time happens rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather! Pre-registration is not required.

Preschool-2nd Grade: 10:30-11:30am *Meets at Shelter #1 3rd Grade & Up: 1:00-2:30pm This monthly program is designed for homeschool students to explore the park throughout the year. Each month we will have activities for the two different age groups. The younger age group for preschool through 2nd grade students will meet from 10:30-11:30am. The older group is for students in 3rd grade or up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bring the entire family out to enjoy a portion of the Fairfield Loop Trail. Start the drive out at Maasdam Barns. Participants can then drive along the Fairfield Loop Trail before driving onto the Cedar View Trail. This will take participants across both the Highway 34 bypass bridge and the Cedar Creek Bridge.

Are you a landowner managing prairie or just want to learn more about the prairie ecosystem? If so, this is the program for you! Kevin Andersen, Private Land Biologist with the DNR, will be leading a program covering various aspects of the prairie and good management practices. Participants should be prepared for a short hike off trail.

Explore the great outdoors alongside your child! We will be doing a short introduction before heading out on a hike. This children’s nature program is geared for children who are 2-4 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Toddler Time happens rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather! Pre-registration is not required.